Materials & Asphalt Technology Research Summit

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MASTERS Returns: June 23, 2026

TXAPA's Level 2 and Aggregate Committees, in collaboration with TxDOT, presents the second annual Materials & Asphalt Technology Research Summit (MASTERS). This one-day event features world-class researchers delivering practical insights that directly impact asphalt mix design, materials, and performance. Engineers, contractors, and industry professionals alike will benefit from this high-value session—worth 6 PDHs. 

Speakers

Full NameOrganizationJob Title
Imad AbdallahUTEPCTIS Director
Fujie ZhouTexas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI)Senior Research Engineer
Amit BhasinCenter for Transportation Research - The University of Texas at AustinDirector
Juan HermosilloMartin Asphalt Co.Technical Director
Gisel CarrascoTexas Dept. of TransportationMTD, Soils and Aggregates Section Director
Carl BiermanTexas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI)Assistant Research Engineer
Dr. Sheng HuTexas A&M Transportation InstituteTTI Research Engineer Program Manager

Agenda

Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Arrivals, Check-in8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks 8:30 AM - 8:45 AM
Evaluate the Importance of Fine Aggregate in Achieving Adequate Skid Resistance in TxDOT Hot Mixes (RTI Project 0-7108)8:45 AM - 9:30 AM
Pilot Implementation of Surface Aggregate Classification of RAP (RTI Project 5-7025)9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Break10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
TxDOT Balanced Mix Design (BMD) Update from the Field & Lab and the Path Forward10:30 AM - 11:15 PM
SMARTTrack11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Networking Luncheon12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Investigating Prime versus Curing: Where, When, and Why1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
PG Binder Dilution with RAP1:45 PM - 2:30 PM
What Do They Say: Test Section Focused on Asphalt Binder2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
Closing Remarks3:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Location 

Name
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center
Full Address
1001 E McCarty Ln
San Marcos, TX 78666
United States
Phone
+1 512-392-6450
Website
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/snmeses-embassy-suites-san-marcos-hotel-conference-center/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-ES-SNMESES&y_source=1_MTExMDA2OC03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D